Today July 16th is the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Happy Feast Day!!!

On the 16th of July in the year 1251, Our Lady of Mount Carmel appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite, in Aylesford, England. She gave him a brown scapular and promised special protection and privileges for the Carmelite Order and that, “Those who die wearing this scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.”

A scapular (scapula) is a kind of apron worn by religious orders, such as the Carmelites, and began with the Benedictines to protect their habits as they work. It is a piece of cloth, covering the chest about shoulder width and hangs down over the front and back of their clothing. In a way it was originally a help to protect their clothing as they worked, especially in the fields with farm work.

“After the ninth century, a monk received the scapular after the profession of vows, and it became known as “the yoke of Christ” (iugum Christi) and “the shield of Christ” (scutum Christi). While certain modifications were made by the various communities, the scapular was a distinctive part of the religious habit.” – Arlington Catholic Herald

After some time the Church extended these privileges to the laity to give them a share in the merits and good works of several third orders and confraternities.

The scapular is a sign of Mary’s heart and shows her love for us.

Wearing the scapular means we are consecrated to her Immaculate Heart. It shows that we love her and belong to her. The scapular is a silent prayer. Our Lady will help us in times of temptation.

There are currently eighteen different types of scapulars that have been approved by the Church. They vary in color, devotion, symbolism, and are usually attached to a confraternity and worn by its members.

Our family set out to find out all about the wearing of the scapular and its origins, as well as Carmelite saints and the prayers associated with this special devotion.

Interested in learning more??

• A history of the Scapular and devotion
• Questions about the Scapular worksheet and answer key
• What is a Scapular? mini book
• Different Kinds of Scapular info page
• Six Scapular “matchbook mini-books”
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena Calendar
• Carmelites info page
• Carmelite Saints mini book
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Coloring page
• Two notebooking page designs perfect for retellings or narrations of the saint biography and/or history of the Scapular devotion. You could also use it for handwriting practice by copying the text from the prayers, holy cards or history pages.
• Three Holy Card designs to print and share
• A “Saint Report” template to be filled out and added to any religion curriculum
• and more…

Need some summertime Marian Devotions to bless your family??

INSTANT Download, use it year after year and great for all ages!!!

CLICK HERE to learn more now!